Ages 9-12

Requirements & Overview

We emphasize hands-on activities, art, experimentation, and exploration. The ratio in this group is 12:1.

This group of students are developing more advanced reading and writing skills. At this stage, they are transitioning from learning to read to reading to learn, and their writing is becoming more detailed and structured. For students turning 9 before 10/1, we would generally recommend this age group.

Class Schedules

  • 9:30-9:45 Morning Meeting

    9:45-10:30 Spanish

    10:30-11:15 STEM Lab

    11:15-12:00 Art

    12:00-12:45 Lunch & Recess

    12:45-1:30 Music & Theater

    1:30-2:15 Life Skills/Home Ec

    2:15-2:30 Clean Up & Student Pick Up

  • 9:30-9:45 Morning Meeting

    9:45-10:30 Reading Exploration

    10:30-11:15 Music & Theater

    11:15-12:00 Art

    12:00-12:45 Lunch & Recess

    12:45-1:30 Geography

    1:30-2:15 Social Emotional Learning

    2:15-2:30 Clean Up & Student Pick Up

  • 9:30-9:45 Morning Meeting

    9:45-10:30 Spanish

    10:30-11:15 Life Skills/Home Ec

    11:15-12:00 STEM Lab

    12:00-12:45 Lunch & Recess

    12:45-1:30 Creative Writing

    1:30-2:15 Art

    2:15-2:30 Clean Up & Student Pick Up

course objectives

    • Advanced Storytelling Techniques: Explore plot development, character arc, and narrative structure.

    • Poetry and Prose: Experiment with poetic forms, descriptive language, and expressive writing techniques.

    • Genre Exploration: Dive into genres such as fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, and realistic fiction.

    • Editing and Revision: Learn strategies for revising and improving drafts through peer and teacher feedback.

    • Creative Expression: Cultivate individual writing voices and explore personal themes and perspectives.

    • Publishing and Presentation: Prepare selected works for publication or presentation in a showcase event.

    • Cooking and Nutrition: Learn fundamental cooking techniques, meal planning, and nutrition basics.

    • Financial Literacy: Introduce concepts of budgeting, saving, spending wisely, and understanding economic principles.

    • Home Maintenance: Develop skills in household chores, cleaning, organizing, and basic repairs.

    • Time Management: Learn strategies for prioritizing tasks, managing schedules, and setting achievable goals.

    • Community and Environmental Awareness: Explore topics such as civic responsibility, sustainability, and global citizenship.

    • Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Apply critical thinking skills to solve everyday challenges and make informed decisions.

    • Genre Exploration: Analyze and compare characteristics, themes, and styles across various literary genres.

    • Author Studies: Study the works of renowned authors, examining their writing techniques, themes, and impact on literature.

    • Critical Analysis: Develop skills in analyzing plot structure, character development, and narrative techniques.

    • Literary Interpretation: Engage in deep discussions and reflections on texts to interpret meaning and themes.

    • Creative Response: Express insights and interpretations through creative projects such as book reviews, literary journals, or multimedia presentations.

    • Cultural and Historical Context: Explore how literature reflects and shapes cultural identity and societal values.

    • Medium Exploration: Experiment with advanced art materials and techniques such as acrylics, watercolors, mixed media, and sculpture.

    • Artistic Techniques: Learn and apply advanced techniques in drawing, painting, perspective, and composition.

    • Art History and Appreciation: Study influential artists, art movements, and cultural contexts to deepen understanding and appreciation of art.

    • Creative Process: Develop ideas, plan and execute artwork, and reflect on artistic choices and outcomes.

    • Critique and Analysis: Engage in constructive critique sessions to evaluate and improve artworks, and provide feedback to peers.

    • Portfolio Development: Compile a portfolio of artwork showcasing skills, growth, and personal artistic journey.

    • Language Proficiency: Enhance speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in Spanish.

    • Grammar and Syntax: Refine understanding and application of advanced grammar rules and sentence structures.

    • Cultural Competence: Explore customs, traditions, and perspectives of Spanish-speaking countries through literature, music, and film.

    • Conversational Fluency: Engage in authentic conversations, debates, and discussions on various topics in Spanish.

    • Literature and Media: Analyze and appreciate Spanish-language literature, media, and artistic expressions.

    • Cross-Cultural Connections: Develop empathy, respect, and appreciation for diverse cultural identities within the Spanish-speaking world.

    • Vocal Technique: Develop singing skills, vocal projection, and breath control through vocal exercises and repertoire.

    • Acting and Characterization: Explore character development, emotional expression, and stage presence through scene work and monologue study.

    • Movement and Dance: Learn choreography, body awareness, and expressive movement techniques to enhance storytelling through dance.

    • Stagecraft and Production: Gain practical experience in stage lighting, set design, props, and costume selection.

    • Collaboration and Ensemble Work: Foster teamwork, communication, and ensemble building skills through group rehearsals and performances.

    • Performance Skills: Build confidence, resilience, and stage presence through regular performance opportunities and feedback sessions.

    • Scientific Inquiry: Develop skills in observation, experimentation, and data analysis through hands-on activities.

    • Engineering Design: Apply the engineering design process to solve problems and build prototypes.

    • Technology Integration: Explore coding, robotics, and digital tools to enhance understanding and application of STEM concepts.

    • Mathematical Applications: Use mathematical reasoning and problem-solving strategies to analyze data and make predictions.

    • Critical Thinking: Foster creativity and innovation through open-ended challenges and project-based learning.

    • Collaboration and Communication: Work collaboratively in teams to brainstorm ideas, share findings, and present solutions.

    • Self-Awareness: Recognize and manage emotions; identify strengths and areas for growth.

    • Empathy and Perspective-Taking: Understand and respect the feelings and perspectives of others.

    • Resilience and Coping Strategies: Develop strategies for managing stress, setbacks, and challenges.

    • Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution: Practice effective communication and problem-solving skills.

    • Building Positive Relationships: Foster friendships, teamwork, and cooperation through collaborative activities.

    • Responsible Decision-Making: Make thoughtful decisions considering consequences and ethical considerations.

    • Map and Spatial Skills: Develop skills in using maps, globes, and atlases, while interpreting scales, symbols, and directions.

    • Physical Geography: Understand landforms, bodies of water, and climate zones, and explore how physical geography shapes environments.

    • Cultural and Human Geography: Examine how geography influences cultures, human activities, and settlements, while exploring human-environment interaction.

    • Political and Economic Geography: Identify countries, capitals, borders, and cities, and understand global connections through trade, migration, and communication.

    • Environmental Awareness and Sustainability: Recognize the importance of natural resources and explore the impact of human activities, including sustainability and climate change.

    • Geographical Inquiry and Research: Conduct research by asking geographical questions, using maps and digital tools, and presenting findings through projects and reports.